Reffell helps Wales make history against the world champions
TIGERS flanker Tommy Reffell helped Wales make history as they recorded a stunning 13-12 second Test victory over South Africa in Bloemfontein, writes Andrew Baldock, PA Rugby Union Correspondent.
It was Wales’ first win against the Springboks on South African soil, ending 58 years of hurt and arriving at the 12th attempt.
After suffering an agonising threepoint defeat in last weekend’s series opener, Wayne Pivac’s team made no mistake at the second time of asking and set up a Cape Town decider next Saturday.
Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber’s decision to make 14 changes backfired – he rested World Cup winners like Siya Kolisi, Faf de Klerk and Cheslin Kolbe – as Wales triumphed through Josh Adams’ 78th minute try that Gareth Anscombe converted from the touchline.
Anscombe and Wales captain Dan Biggar kicked earlier penalties, while Tigers-bound World Cup-winning fly-half and captain Handre Pollard booted four penalties for the Springboks.
Wales captain Dan Biggar said: “We have earnt the right to enjoy this victory because it is a huge achievement.
“There have been some very, very good Wales teams to have come here and been sent packing.
“We are a really tight-knit group, and everyone deserves a pat on the back.
“I mentioned before the game in my speech (to the players) that it was an easy job to be captain of this team because we have got a great group of guys who will roll their sleeves up and work their socks off.”
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac told Sky Sports: “We are in the race to win the series next week.
“It is going to be a huge challenge and it will be a different South African
side, as we know. It just makes for a good series. It is going to be a big week for us, and we will look forward to it.
“He (Anscombe) is a quality kicker. Both him and Dan (Biggar) are right up there.
“I had confidence in him because he had been kicking them so well during the week and in the warm-up. He missed one, but got the one that mattered.”
Pollard, who will join Tigers next season, said: “I think our discipline cost us in the second half.
“There were good moments, but I think Wales won the big moments towards the end of the game. Credit to them.
“We missed a couple of opportunities in the first half when we were in their 22, which is something we will have to work on, but it is Test match rugby and it is never easy.
“Playing for the Springboks means everything to us, and we’ll be back next week fighting for it.”